Sam Khan Jr. ESPN Staff Writer

One big plus for Houston in promoting offensive coordinator Major Applewhite: his in-state recruiting ties. He spent 11 of his 13 seasons in the state of Texas. As a Baton Rouge native, he also is familiar with the Louisiana landscape. Both states are fertile with talent.

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Sam Khan Jr. ESPN Staff Writer

New Houston coach Major Applewhite will receive a five-year contract, a source told ESPN.com. No word yet on salary or other parameters.

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Sam Khan Jr. ESPN Staff Writer

New Houston coach Major Applewhite assumes his position immediately, meaning he'll lead the Cougars in the Las Vegas Bowl vs. San Diego State. Defensive coordinator Todd Orlando, who was the interim head coach during the search, will assume his usual duties.

Breaking: University of Houston announces Major Applewhite as its head football coach.
Les Miles and Lane Kiffin h… twitter.com/i/web/status/8…

Adam Rittenberg ESPN Staff Writer

Houston athletic director Hunter Yurachek on the hiring of Major Applewhite as coach: "We wanted a coach with great integrity who believed in our mission and truly believed in our student-athlete experience. We had our sights set on a focused competitor who has demonstrated success and possesses a deep connection to college and high school football in the great state of Texas. As this process was completed, it was clearly evident the only individual to offer our position to was Major Applewhite and he was indeed the right man to lead our program."

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Andrea Adelson ESPN Staff Writer

Next up for the top two quarterbacks in the ACC: the Heisman Trophy ceremony on Saturday. Each comes in with awards already. Deshaun Watson has the Davey O'Brien and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm awards; Lamar Jackson has the Maxwell, Walter Camp and ACC player of the year.

Andrea Adelson ESPN Staff Writer

Andrea Adelson ESPN Staff Writer

Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson became the first player in school history to win the Maxwell Award, adding to the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award he won earlier in the evening. He's the second player in FBS history to pass for 3,000 yards and rush for 1,500 yards in same season (2012 Jordan Lynch – Northern Illinois).

Andrea Adelson ESPN Staff Writer

Alabama defensive end Jonathan Allen talks about his whirlwind week after winning the Bednarik Award.

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Andrea Adelson ESPN Staff Writer

Alabama defensive end Jonathan Allen became the first player in school history to win the Chuck Bednarik Award, given to the best defensive player in the country. He's the third SEC player in seven seasons to win the award.